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Milanote vs Joplin

A detailed comparison to help you choose the right tool for your needs.

Milanote logo

Milanote

Productivity & Notes

Try Milanote
VS
Joplin logo

Joplin

Productivity & Notes

Try Joplin

A
About Milanote

Milanote is a visual workspace designed for creative professionals who need to organize their ideas, research, and projects in a freeform canvas. It combines notes, images, links, and files in a drag-and-drop interface that feels like working on a physical pinboard. The tool is particularly well-suited for designers, writers, marketers, and agencies who think visually and need to build mood boards, creative briefs, and project plans. Unlike traditional note-taking apps that rely on linear documents, Milanote embraces spatial organization, making it easier to see connections between ideas. It also supports real-time collaboration, so teams can brainstorm and refine concepts together.

B
About Joplin

Joplin is a free, open-source note-taking and to-do application that supports Markdown formatting and end-to-end encryption. It allows users to organize notes into notebooks, tag them, and sync across multiple devices using services like Nextcloud, Dropbox, OneDrive, or Joplin Cloud. The app is available on Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS, making it a genuinely cross-platform solution. It's particularly popular among privacy-conscious users and those migrating from Evernote, as it offers a straightforward import tool. While it may lack the polish of some commercial alternatives, its flexibility, plugin ecosystem, and commitment to open-source principles make it a strong choice for technical users.

Pricing Comparison

Tool
Milanote
Joplin
Price
Free — From $9.99/user/mo
Free — Optional donations accepted
Category
Productivity & Notes
Productivity & Notes
Rating
4.3 (11)
4.4 (20)
Free Plan
Yes
Yes
Integrations
8+ apps
7+ apps
Founded
2017
2017

Feature Comparison

Feature
Milanote
Joplin
Drag-and-drop interface for organization
Customizable boards for project management
Visual note-taking with images and links
Collaboration tools for team brainstorming
Templates for various creative projects
Integration with third-party apps
Offline access for uninterrupted work
Markdown support for notes
End-to-end encryption for security
Web clipper for saving content
Cross-platform synchronization capabilities
Task management with to-do lists
Tagging system for organization

Choose Milanote

Milanote is a visual workspace for creative projects that helps you organize ideas and notes effectively.

Try Milanote Free

Read full review

Choose Joplin

Joplin is an open-source note-taking and to-do application.

Try Joplin Free

Read full review

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Score Comparison

Ease of Use
8.0
7.0
Features
7.0
8.0
Pricing
7.0
10.0
Support
6.0
6.0
Integrations
7.0
7.0
Overall
7.0
7.6
MilanoteJoplin

Our Verdict

Milanote

Working on creative projects in a team, needing a visual workspace to organize ideas and notes.

Easier to get started
JoplinWinner

You're looking for a free, open-source note-taking option with strong organizational features and no hidden costs.

More affordable
More features

Milanote vs Joplin: The Bottom Line

Both Milanote and Joplin are strong productivity & notes tools, but they serve different needs. Joplin has a higher user rating (4.4 vs 4.3).

Still unsure? Check the full reviews for Milanote and Joplin, explore Milanote alternatives, or use our AI search to describe exactly what you need.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Milanote or Joplin better?

It depends on your needs. Milanote (4.3★) is free to start, while Joplin (4.4★) is free to start. Joplin has a higher user rating.

Can I switch from Milanote to Joplin?

Yes. Most SaaS tools offer data export features. Check if Joplin has a migration guide or import tool specifically for Milanote users. Many offer onboarding assistance for switchers.

Which is cheaper, Milanote or Joplin?

Both Milanote and Joplin start at $0/mo.

What are the main differences between Milanote and Joplin?

Milanote focuses on drag-and-drop interface for organization and customizable boards for project management, while Joplin emphasizes markdown support for notes and end-to-end encryption for security. Both are in the Productivity & Notes category but serve slightly different use cases.